The School District of Clayton

The School District of Clayton is committed to inspiring each of its students to love learning and embrace challenge within a rich and rigorous academic culture. To achieve this mission, Clayton maintains a student to teaching-staff-member ratio of about 13:1 at the elementary, middle and high school levels, which includes teachers, counselors and librarians. Individualized instruction is stressed at each grade level. The certificated staff of the District total 289, including teachers, administrators, counselors and librarians.

Most classroom teachers have nearly 18 years of experience and 96.2 percent hold a master’s degree or higher. Their work is complemented by resource teachers, interns and general education staff. Each school has a library exceeding national standards and a full-time librarian. All schools also have at least one counselor and social worker, and basic instruction is augmented by regular instruction in art, music, physical education and technology.

Clayton students excel academically. At Clayton High School (CHS), 29 Advanced Placement courses are available. Students took 709 AP exams during the 2021-22 school year and earned a passing grade of a 3, 4 or 5 on 86 percent of those exams. In the same school year, 99 percent of CHS seniors graduated, and 91 percent of graduates advanced to two- and four-year colleges. The class of 2022 had a composite mean SAT critical reading and writing score of 613 and math score of 612. The average ACT composite score during the same time period was 26.6. 

The District offers a full range of extracurricular activities and special programs. Before and after-school care is available in each of the District’s elementary schools. Activity programs, intramural sports and city-sponsored athletic leagues provide other afternoon, evening and weekend options.
Every year a large number of students are recognized as National Merit and Commended Scholars. Clayton’s K-12 students compare favorably in ability and achievement with students from independent schools and select suburban districts nationally, including schools on the eastern seaboard and west coast.

Additionally, the District provides a wide range of opportunities for its residents and students, including adult continuing education programs and summer programs. Since 1981, the District has participated in a voluntary desegregation program with the City of St. Louis. Approximately six percent of the District’s students are enrolled through participation in the desegregation program.

The District is located in the City of Clayton, just west of St. Louis. It is the hub of the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Combining a bustling downtown with quiet, secure residential neighborhoods, Clayton is the seat of St. Louis County. With a population of around 17,000 residents, it is also home to Forbes and Fortune 500 headquarters.

Additional information about the School District of Clayton may be obtained by contacting the Office of Communications at 314.854.6038.